Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of alkyl/aryl or alkyl/methyl ketones catalyzed by known C2-symmetric ferrocenyl-based chiral bis(phosphinite)-Ru(II), Rh(I) and Ir(III) complexes

•Ru(II), Rh(I) and Ir(III) complexes of C2-symmetric ferrocenyl based chiral bis(phoshinite) ligands have been synthesized.•The complexes were applied in ATH of alkyl/aryl or alkyl methyl ketones using iso-propanol as the hydrogen source.•Up to 99% conversion and 98% ee were achieved with these catalytic systems.

Known Ru(II), Rh(I) and Ir(III) complexes of C2-symmetric ferrocenyl based chiral bis(phoshinite) ligands were catalyzed the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of alkyl/aryl or alkyl methyl ketones. Corresponding secondary alcohols were obtained with high enantioselectivities up to 98% ee and reactivities using iso-propanol as the hydrogen source.

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